as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
some sociologists specialize in studying the lawbreaking elements of society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code
even something as simple as littering is considered an example of lawbreaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in criminality
activities that are in violation of the laws of the state
an outbreak of lawbreaking plagued the city in the months following the end of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lawbreaking
Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Barack Obama pledged to look forward and not backwards, not only closing the door on prosecutions for executive lawbreaking but also failing to hold accountable those responsible for the 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing Great Recession.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Chaffin said that even in June, while protests in Los Angeles had drawn thousands of people and were violent, those in Portland were smaller and any lawbreaking was managed by local police.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
The sponsor of the employer crime bill said that lawbreaking was wrong and the bill is constitutional.
—Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Barack Obama pledged to look forward and not backwards, not only closing the door on prosecutions for executive lawbreaking but also failing to hold accountable those responsible for the 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing Great Recession.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Chaffin said that even in June, while protests in Los Angeles had drawn thousands of people and were violent, those in Portland were smaller and any lawbreaking was managed by local police.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawbreaking
Adjective
-
In 2025 alone, the city paid these firms more than $20 million to fight the claims of people whose criminal convictions were overturned in court.—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Assault victims in Virginia may seek a civil resolution to their criminal case through accord and satisfaction, an agreement for an amount owed in damages, such as money to cover the cost of medical bills or property repairs.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
TigerTiger’s profile is soon revealed to have been created by Clark, presumably for the purpose of catfishing Floyd; when detectives find security-camera footage of Clark pedalling away from the scene of the crime in his distinctive recumbent bicycle, he is arrested and charged with the murder.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
-
There is something wrong with our legal system if cutting prices is a crime.—
Stephen Moore,
Boston Herald,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Thus, Ahmed’s Hamlet discovers not just his father’s murder and betrayal but also the criminality on which his family’s entire wealth has been built.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
-
But your research suggests that there might be genetic factors that lead to aggressive behavior or other forms of criminality.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Noun
-
Both Israel and Hezbollah have traded accusations of ceasefire violations, with a Lebanese journalist, Amal Khalil, killed in an Israeli airstrike just yesterday.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Giveaway or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.—
AJC.com,
AJC.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The film explores the iconic partnership between Fonteyn, a 42-year-old prima ballerina and Britain’s most famous dancer, and Rudolf Nureyev, the 23-year-old rebellious Soviet defector who became her partner on stage (and, it was rumored, off it as well).—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
-
When the skyscraper where Rayburn and his family lives is destroyed in an explosion, Creasy attempts to regain his military prowess in his determination to protect Rayburn’s rebellious teen daughter Poe (Billie Boullet), who has been targeted by the terrorists.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The galley starts directly next to the lounge with an available 90-L Isotherm door fridge/freezer and extends down the passenger sidewall with a countertop with inbuilt sin and available portable induction cooktop.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2026
-
For Nikolas Indigo, the road to freedom was lined with warnings against a life of sin.—
Theresa Gaffney,
STAT,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
At least four federal judges blocked some of those subpoenas as flagrantly illicit overreach.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Some lawmakers and industry groups have raised concerns about personal freedom, enforcement challenges, and the growth of illicit tobacco markets, sparking debate over individual liberty and the role of the state in regulating personal behavior.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawbreaking. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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